Wire-fabric machine



(No Modem 8 Sheets-Sheet 1.

A. L. KITSBLMAN.

WIRE FABRIC MACHINE.

'1\I0.592,931.4 Patented Nov. 2, 1897.

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(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 2.

A. L. KITSEL'MAN. WIRE FABRIC MACHINE.

No. 592,931. Patented Nov. 2, 1897.

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A. L. KITsB-LMAN.

WIRE FABRIC MACHINE.

No. 592,931. Patented Nov. 2, 1 897.

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WIRE FABRIC MACHINE.

No. 592,931. Patented Nov. 2, 1897i.v`

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WIRE FABRIC MACHINE Patented Nov. 2, 1897.

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A. L. KITSELMAN.

WIRE FABRIC MACHINE.

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(No Model.)

' A. L. KITSELMAN.

. WIRE FABRIC MAGHINE. No. 592,931.

Patented Nov. 2, 1897.

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WIRE FABRIC MACHINE. f y No. 592,931. Patented Nov. 2, 1897.

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ALVA L. KITSELMAN, AOF RIDGEVILLE, INDIANA.

WIRE-FABRIC MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 592,931, dated November 2, 1897. Application filed J'u1y`22, 1896. Serial No. 600,149. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Beit known that I, ALvA L. K1TsELMAN,'a citizen of the United States, residing at Ridgeville, in the county of Randolph and State of Indiana, have invented a new and useful Wire-Fabric Machine, of which the following is a specification. v

This invention relates to wire-fabric machines..

The main and primary object of the present invention is to effect certain improvements in machines for weaving wire fabric, especially for fencing purposes, whereby the same shall be entirely automatic in character to provide for the twisting of the weft-wires together or onto the lines wires, and also for the transferring or shifting of the spool-carrying devices from one twister-wheel to another.

The invention also contemplates improved means for propelling the machine with accuracy and despatch, whereby the mesh of the fabric being woven may be varied at will, accoi-ding to the character of the work, and as a general object it is the intention to provide a wire-fabric machine constructed in such a manner that all of the parts thereof may be readily assembled and replaced without the services of a skilled mechanic.

With these and many other objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully described, illustrated, and claimed. Y

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a wire-fabric machine constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. l2 'is a front elevation thereof. Fig. 3 is a rear elevation. Fig. 4 is a central vertical sectional view of ,the entire machine and its propelling mechanism. Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the machine in rear of the twisterwheels on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 5a is an enlarged detail elevation of a portion of the front side of the machine, showing more clearly the relative arrangement of4 the twister-wheels, the spool-carriers, the guide plates or castings, and the switch points or` lingers. Fig. 6 vis a similar view to Fig. 5,

showing the switch-points in a reversed position and the spool-carriers transferred to different twister-wheels. Fig. 7 is a similar View to Fig. 6, with the spool-carriers, the guide plates or castings, and the switch points or fingers removed. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail sectional view of one of the complete twisting devices of the'machine comprising one of the stationary hollow spindles and one of the twister-wheels, with the several attachments and parts carried thereby. Fig. 9 is a detail cross-sectional view on the line 9 9 of Fig. 6, showing the engagement of the elliptical retaining-plates of the spool-carriers with the inner guide-flange of the guide plates or castings. Fig. 10 is a detail in perspective of one of the spool-carriers. Fig. l1 is a similar View of one'of the spool-carriers with its spool removed. Fig. 12 is a detail plan view of the combined tension and locking plate for the spool.

Fig. 13 is a detail in perspective of the separate removable bearing-bushing for each twisterwheel.

having the mechanism for automatically opertently operating the switch points or iingers. Fig. 16`isa detail top plan view of the ratchetpropelling device to the machine. Fig. 17 is a vertical sectional view on the line 17 17 of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a detail in perspective of the clam p-plate for the propelling device having the adjustable stop-pin regulating the mesh of the fabric. Fig. 19 is a vertical sectional view on the line 19 19 of Fig. 16. Fig. 2O is a similar view on the line 2O 2O of Fig. 16. Fig. 21 is a detail in perspective of one of the gear twister-wheels. Fig. 22 is a detail enlarged view of the locking device for each of the hollow stationary spindles. Fig. 23 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the guide plate or casting forming the pivotal support for a switch point or linger. Fig. 24 is a detail in perspective of the guide plate or casting illustrated in section in Fig. 23. Fig. 25 is a detail in perspective of the form of guide plate or casting alternating with the form illustrated in Fig. 24. Fig. 26 is a detailin perspective of the guide plate or casting used at the top and bottom of the machine in connection with the uppermost and lowermost twister-wheels. Fig. 27 is an enlarged detail sectional view of a modified form of the hollow stationary spindle employed for Stringing a barbed line-wire therethrough. Fig. 28 is an Fig. 14 is an enlarged detail vertical ysectional View of that portion of the machine IOO enlarged detail elevation of the catch device for the beveled gear drive-pinion.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 designates an upright frameboard of a suitable height, according to the height or width of fabric or fencing to be woven by the machine, and said upright frame-board 1 is supported for travel over the ground at its lower end on the opposite parallel base-plates 2. The base-plates 2 are arranged at opposite side edges of the upright frame-board 1 and are provided near one end with short upwardly-disposed arm extensions 3, which are pivotally secured to the side edges of the frame-board on pivot screws or belts t, which permit the plates 2 to be moved at an inclination to the upright disposition of the frame-board. Immediately above the pivotal support t of the base-plates 2 the arm extensions 3 are provided with segmental slots 5, receiving the clamping-bolts G, mounted in the frame-board 1 and providing means for rigidly clamping the base-plates 2 stationary when adj usted. The base-plates 2 project beyond the front and rear sides of the upright frame-board 1, and the portions of said plates in front of the frame-board are somewhat longer than their rear portions, so as to steady the machine as it advances along the line of fencing or fabric being woven, and at the opposite extremities of the said baseplates 2 the latter are provided with short inwardly-disposed bearing-axles 7, on which are mounted the ground wheels or rollers 8, which support themachine for travel over the ground.

In connection with the wheeled support of the machine is preferably employed a groundtrack f), (illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings,) and which may consist of ordinary planking, and by reason of the adjustability of the wheeled base-plates 2 it will be obvious that such plates may be adjusted to suit the inclination of the ground without affecting the desired vertical disposition of the frameboard, which is quite an important feature in connection with wire fencing or fabric machines.

The upright frame board 1 is provided therein with a series of vertically-alined regularly-spaced openings 10, in which are detachably fitted one end of the hollow vertically-alined stationary spindles 11. The hollow vertically-alined stationary spindles 11 are arranged in a number equal to the greatest number of warp or line wires in connection with which the machine can be used, and each of said spindles 1 1 is provided in opposite sides, near one end, with the diametrically opposite notches 12,adapted to receive therein the opposite parallel side portions 13 of an open locking-key 111. The open locking-key 1l for each stationary spindle is substantially rectangular in form and is provided at one end with a circular portion 15 sufliciently large to be readily slipped over the end of the spindle projecting beyond the rear side of the upright frame-board, and at one side of the circular portion 15 for the remaining portion of its length the locking-key 14 tapers in thickness, so as to form a wedge to tightly fasten the spindle in place. It will be obvious that when the spindle is inserted through the opening 10 therefor, so as to carry its notched end beyond the rearside of the frame-board, the circular portion 15 of the locking-key is slipped over the notched projecting end of the spindle, so as to bring the opposite parallel portions 13 of the key in alinement with the side notches 12, and by moving said side p0rtions 13 of the key into the notches 12 and hammering the key so that it will wedge itself aga-inst the frame board and in the notches 12 the spindle will be drawn tightly to its proper position on the frame-board.

Each of the verticallyalined stationary spindles 11 is provided intermediate of its ends and at the side of the frame-board opposite the locking-key with an annular bearing shoulder or flange 1G, between which and the upright frame-board 1 is arranged a detachable bearing-bushing 17. The detachable bearing-bushing 17 loosely registers on the spindle 11 and bears at one end directly against the shoulder 1G, and at its end opposite the shoulder 1G the bearing-bushing 17 is provided with an annular bearing-flange 18, which rests flat against the front side of the upright frame board 1, and arranged to loosely revolve on the bearing-bushin g 17, between the shoulder 10 and the flange 18, is the cylindrical iianged hub 1f) of the toothed or gear twister-wheel 20.

In connect-ion with the mounting of the twister-wheel a very important feature to be noted is that the detachable bearing-bushing is a trifle longer than the length of the wheelhub 19, so that when the locking-key for the spindle is tightened, so as to draw the shoulder 1G against the bushing 17 and the latter against the frame-board 1, it is impossible to bind or wedge the twister-wheel, which will always be sufficiently loose between the lianges 1G and 18, so as to freely revolve on its spindle. This is of especial importance in assembling the parts of the machine together and in dispensing with machine-work in fitting the parts so that the twister-wheels will freely operate.

The locking-keys provide for detachably locking the spindles in place, whereby the same can be readily removed and replaced, and at their outer ends beyond the front side of the machine frame-board 1 the said spindles are provided with the bearing portions 21, which loosely receive thereon the central bearing-collars 22 of the combined guide and supporting disks 23, loosely arranged at the outer end of each spindle. rlhe combined guide and supporting disks 23 have the collars 22 preferably formed integral therewith and projected from one side, so as to loosely engage over the spindles, and at their inner edges the collars 22 are provided with a se- IOO IIO

ries of retaining-tongues 24, which are bent over and loosely engage with an annular bead or rib 25, formed exteriorly on the spindles near their outer ends. The disks 23 are used in connection with the spool-carriers for the purpose of guiding and supporting the outer portions of said carriers, as will be hereinafter described; but said disks are provided with central wire-openings 26, communicating with the interior of the spindles and designed to receive the longitudinal warp or line wires of the fabric being Woven by the machine. Y

Since each spindle has mounted thereon in the manner described a cogged or gear twisterwheel 20, ihese wheels are arranged in vertical alinement one abovethe other and the cogs or teeth of the adjacent wheels mesh, so that the entire series of wheels are geared together for a simultaneous rotation, and one of the intermediate twister-wheels 20 carries at its inner side a beveled gear-wheel 27, meshing with an adjacent beveled gear-pinion 28, mounted on a short drive-shaft 29, journaled in a suitable bearing 30, secured at the rear side of the upright frame-board l and having attached to its outer end a crankhandle 3l, which is grasped by the hand and turned in a continuous forward direction to provide for the simultaneous turning of all of the twister-wheels, as will be readily understood. Directly above the beveled gearpinion 28 is arranged acasing or box 32, provided in its outer side with a slot 33 and receiving therein a self-adjusting check-dog 34, provided with a lower beveled end 35, loosely riding over the cogs or teeth of the beveled gear-pinion 28 as the same is turned in a forward direction.

The check-dog 34' is raised automatically by the teeth of the pinion and drops between the teeth by gravity; but the lower end of said dog is beveled in a direction so as to ride over the teeth of the pinion only when it turns forward, thereby causing the dog to lock itself between the teeth of the pinion should the crank-handle be turned in a backward direction. The said self-adjusting catch-dog 34 is provided with an offstanding stop-pin 36, working in the slot 33 of the casing 32 and serving to limit the movement of the dog, while at the same time permitting the dog to be lifted out of engagement with the gear-pinion should it be found necessary during the operation of the machine.

The intergeared vertically-alined twisterwheels 20 are of a uniform size and are provided at diametric'ally opposite poi-nts with peripheral notches 37, and at the points where the notches 37 occur the cogs or teeth of the wheels are interrupted to leave spaces for the notches and provide for the proper connection of the spool-carriers 38 with the wheels, so that such wheels during their rotation will positively carry the spool-carriers therewith. rlhe spool-carriers 38 carry the weft or mesh wires, which are twisted together at the points of intersection or around thev longitudinal warp or weft wires, and, as is common in machines of this character, every alternate twister-wheel is active and carries a pair of spool-carriers, excepting, of course, the top and bottom wheels of the series, which at intervals carry only onespool-carrier `when the weft lor mesh wire is being twisted around the top, and bottom line-wires of the fabric, all of which is well understood by those skilled in the art.

Each spool-carrier 38 essentially comprises a substantially U-shaped frame-arm 39, provided at one side and at a point intermediate of its ends with an offstanding spool axle or spindle 40 and at one end with a pair of spaced parallel elliptical retaining plates 4l, connected together by a short rounded neck-piece v42,.which registers in the notches 37 of the end of the spindle about which the spool-carrier rotates. The circular bearing-head 44 at one end of each spool-carrier is provided therein with a central wire-gugde slot or opening 45, and at opposite sides of said slot or opening with separate wire-guide openings 46, all adapted to receive and form guides for the weft or mesh wire b, which is twisted together or onto the warp or line wire a. The weft or mesh wire Z9 is carried in quantities o n the wire spools or reels 46a, mounted to turn on the spool axles or spindles 40 of each spool-carrier, and in connection with the slot 45 and the separate guide-openings 46 in the `head 44 of cach spool-carrier it is to be ob- IOO IIO

servedA that lby passing the weft or mesh wire through the said slot 45 or either of the openings v46 the tension of such wire maybe partly regulated, according to the character of thcl work.

The offstanding spool-axle or spindle 40 of each spool-carrier is provided at one end with a squared locking-head 47, from opposite sides of which are projected the short locking-studs 48, which together with the head 47 cooperate with a sprin g-plate 49, which serves the double function of a spring-tension and locking-plate forthe spool 46a. The spring-plate 49 is bowed in a longitudinal direction and is provided with bent contact ends 50, which have a direct contact with one of the circular flat end heads of the wire-spool 4G, and at a point intermediate of its ends the combined tension and locking plate 49 is provided with a central squared opening 5l, at diametrically opposite side edges of which opening and communicating therewith are formed guide-notches 52, which pass over the studs 4S in itting the plate 49 on the axle 40 and in removing the plate. In adjusting the plate 49, after the wire spool or reel 4G has been placed on the axle or spindle 40 of the spool-carrier, the said plate 49 Ais brought to a position with the oppositely-located notches 52 in alinement with the short locking-studs 48. The plate 49 is then passed over the locking-head 47, and by then pressing on the central portion of the f plate, so as to force the same toward and against the adjacent spool-liead, the squared opening 5l is carried below the plane of the locking-studs 4S. Vith the locking-plate held in this position the same is turned with the spool until brought to a position at direct right angles to the position when first fitted over the axle 40, and when the locking-plate reaches this last position the opening 5l again registers with the squared locking-head 47 and the plate springs out against the inner sides of the studs 4S, with the opening 5l engaging over the head 47, thereby locking the plate 49 on the spool-axle 40 and preventing such plate 49 from turning with the spool or reel as the weft-wire is pulled off of the same. XVhen the plate 49 is locked in the position referred to, the same exerts a spring-tension against one side of the spool 4G, so as to retard the rotation of such spool sufficiently to place the proper tension of the weft or mesh wire wrapped thereon. Vhen it is desired to remove the plate 49, the saine is pressed inward out of engagement with the lockin g-liead 47 and turned until the notches 52 aline with the studs 4S, as will be readily understood.

The `engagement of the short neck-piece 42 of each spool-carrier with the notches 37 of the twister-wheels disposes the elliptical retaining-plates 41 of each carrier, respectively, at the front and rear sides of the twisterwheels, and as thus positioned the said vretaining-plates travel in contact with the guide plates or castings 53. The guide plates or castings are substantially V-shaped and are arranged with their apices or points projected into the rentrant spaces formed between the adjacent meshing twister-wlieels at opposite sides of such wheels. The said V-shaped plates or castings 53 are provided with the iianged attaching-feet 54, adapted to rest flat against the front side of the upright frame-board l, and certain of said attaching-feet 54 are preferably provided with the securing-pins 55, cast integrally therewith and engaging in previously-bored openings 56, formed in the front side of the upright frame-board, and it is to be observed that the said pins 55 not only assist in securing the guide plates or castings in position, but also form guides in assembling the parts of the machine together, so as to insure the guide plates or castings being fitted in true positions. Other ot the said attaching-feet 54 are provided with screw-openiiigs 57, which receive the fastening-screws 5S for iirmly fastening the guide plates or castin 0fs in position.

The V-shaped guide plates or castings 53 essentially comprise an outer segmental baseilange 59 and a main guide-flange 60, projected from the inner side of the base-flange 59, intermediate of its edges and at right angles thereto, and said main guide-flange G0 is provided with a fiat bearing-surface G1, arranged parallel with the main base-flange 59, it being observed at this point that the main guide-ange 90 is illustrated in the drawings as being of a substantial T shape, but this formation of the flange is simply for the purpose of imparting lightness to the casting, as it is simply necessary to provide a ila-nge (50, disposed at right angles to the iiange 59, so as to project between the pair of spaced retaining-plates 41 of each spool-carrier.

The plates or castings 53 are arranged in vertical alineinent on opposite sides of the vertically-alined series of twister-wheels and are of a uniform V shape, excepting at the extreme top and bottom of the machine, where for the upper and lowerniost twister-wheels of the series is employed a pair of segmental guide plates or castings 53, which, excepting for their segmental shape, are of precisely the same construction as the plates or castings 53 and serve to complete the circular guideways for the spool-carriers as they are rotated with the said uppermost and lowermost twisterwheels.

Referring more particularly to the circular guideways referred to, it will be noted that the V- shaped guide plates or castings are placed together as closely as possible, so that the segmental side portions of the directly-adjacent guide plates or castings will be arranged in the same circular plane, and thereby practically forni continuations of each other, and this arrangement being duplicated at opposite sides of each twister-wheel it will be obvious that a complete circular guideway for the spool-carrier is formed directly adjacent to and around the periphery of each twister-wheel. rlhe elliptical retaining-plates 4l of each carrier are disposed, respectively, at the front and rear sides of the twisterwheel carrying the saine, and said retainingplates are of a sufficient width so as to project beyond the cogged periphery of the twisterwheels and work, respectively, at the opposite sides of the main guide-flanges GO surrounding the twister-wheel. This disposition of the retaining-plates 4l ot each spool-carrier respectively at the front and rear sides of the segmental guide-flanges G0 surrounding the twisterwheel serves to retain or hold the spool-carrier in engagement with the twisterwheel so as to rotate therewith, and it will be further observed at this point that the outer segmental edges of the retaining-plates 4l ride in contact with the outer base-flanges 59 at opposite sides of the in ain guide-flanges GO, while the short neck-pieces 42 of the spool- IOO IIO

carriers ride in contact with the flat bearingsurface :Gliat'the -inner edgesfof the 'said mai-n guide-flanges 60, thereby completing a bearing-contact of the spool-'carriers with the guide plates or castings that serves not only to retain the spool-carriers properly in ensteady the spool-carriers and insure :a positive even running of the machine.

Every alternate guide plate or casting 53 in each vertical row of 4such .plates or castings is provided with ka pivot-collar 63, pivotally reeeiving the pivot-pin 6i at lone end of an os'- cillatory switch point or iinger'65, workingat the front side of the guide plate or cast-ing and havin gata .point intermedi-ate of its ends a connecting-pin `66, working in a'segmental slot 6.7, formed in the plate 0r casting-at one side of the pivot-collar and directly'adjacent to the point or lape-X of the casting. At each side of the vertically-'alined series 'of twisterfingers arranged, respectively, at diagonally opposite points of the wheel, as clearly illustrated in Figs. 5a and 6 of the drawings.

are tapered towardtheir inner swinging terminals and are provided with curved side edges 69, so as to readily guide or transfer the spool-carriers from one twister-wheel to another in the manner to be presently described.

vertical row of spindles and work in front of i the upright frame-board in rear of the twisterwheels and the guide plates or castings, and

each of the verticali y-reciprocatin g operatingbars is provided with a series of perforations 7l, loosely receiving one end'of the connecting-pins 6G 0f the switch points or fingers in front of such bar. ciprocatin g operatin g-bars 70are respectively pivoted at their upper ends, as at 72, to .the opposite extremities of an intermediate connecting-link 7 3, pivotally mounted intermediate of its ends, as at 74, on the upright frame-board near the upper end thereof and providing means for the simultaneous movement of the operating-bars in opposite directions, whereby all of the switch points or iingers in`one vertical row will be oscillated or moved in one direction ,while the switch points or iingers in the other vertical row will be simultaneously moved in an opposite direction In connection with the opposite vertical rows of the oscillatory switch points or Y They The two vertically-r'e- One of the vertical]y-reciprocatng operatv ing-bars 70 has iiXedly secured to the inner v side thereof at a point intermediate of its gagement with the twister-wheels, butalso to 1 upper and lower ends a substantially rectangular yoke 75, having straight upper and lower sides 76 and opposite curved end portions 7 7. The yoke 75 has arranged to work inside of the same a cam projection 78 -of substantially triangular` form and projected from one side of a toothed cani-wheel- 79, mounted on the inner end of a short stubsh'aft 80, turning in a bearing-opening 81, formed in the upright frame-board 1 and carrying on its outer end at the rear side of the upright frame-board ra pointer 82, working in front `of a numbered dial-plate 83, circular in shape and fastened on the rear side of the upright frame-board for the purpose to be presently referred to.

vThe toothed cam-wheel 79 works within a wheel-recess Si, formed in the front side of the -upright frame-board, and arranged in said lrecess in rear of the said wheel 7 9 is a bowed leaf-spring 85, which draws the pointer 82 firmly against the dial-plate 83 and takes up all slack in the mounting of the shaft 8O and vexerts a sufficient friction against the inner side of the wheel 7 9, so as to prevent the sarne from turning accidentally and thereby interfering with the operation of the machine.

` The said cam-wheel 79 is illustrated as be- The oscillatory switch points or Afingers 65 y ing provided with a peripheral series of regularly-spaced strike-teeth S6 and adapted to be engaged by the adjusting-pins 87, projected from the inner side of one of the twister-wheels 2O at diametrically opposite points of the spindle on which said wheel is mounted. By reason of employing a pair of Adiametrically opposite adjusting-pins 87 the cam-wheel 79 is moved a distance of two of its teeth at each complete revolution of the twister-wheel, and as the cam-wheel is preferably provided with eight strike-teeth 86 it will require four complete revolutions of the twister-wheels to .make one complete revolutio'n of the cam-wheel, during which complete revolution of the cam-wheel the switch points or fingers Vare adjusted twice to provide for two transfers or shifts of the spool-carriers, as will be more particularly referred to. Y

The cam projection 7 8, carried by the camwheel 79,- while of substantially triangular form, is provided with a single eccentricallydisposed contact-point S8 and a curved or segmental bearing portion S9, whichis concentric vwith the center of the cam-wheel '79. Assuming the said cam 78 to be in the position illustrated in Fig. 15 of the drawings Aand traveling in the direction indicated by the arrow, the contact-point 88 will ride against the lower straight side 76 of the yoke 75 and will lowersuch yoke, together with the operating-bar 70 to which it is fitted, such movement causing an elevation of the opposite op- IOO erating-bar by reason of the link connection 73. As the wheel 79 continues to turn under the adjusting influence of the pins 87, the segmental port-ion 89 of the cam projection 78 rides over the lower straight side 76 of the yoke 7 5 and serves t0 hold the operatingbars, and consequently the switch-points or fingers, in the position to which they were adjusted by the engagement of the cam with said lower straight side of the yoke 75, and the parts remain in this position until the contact-point of the cam projection reaches the upper straight side 7G of the yoke, when the reverse action or adjustment takes place. ly reason of the cam 7S holding the yoke 75 in its elevated and depressed positions for a portion of the time while the cam-wheel 79 is rotated means are provided to allow each pair of spool-carriers to make two complete revolutions with the twister-wheel carrying the same before they are shifted or transferred to the adjacent twister-wheels. This operation insures two complete twists of the weftwires around the line or warp wires or together before a transfer or shift is made.

The free swinging ends or terminals of the switch points or lingers (55 are thrown by the vertieally-reciprocating operating-bars 70 against the front circular guide-fianges 90, formed on the front sides of the twister-wheels and serving in conjunction with the switch points or fingers to properly guide the spoolcarriers while being rotated with the twisterwheels and also while transferring' or shifting from one wheel to another, and this is important to note in connection with the operation of the machine for weaving a line of fabric, whether for fencing or other purposes. As already referred to, in the operation of the machine every alternate twister-wheel is an active wheel, while the other twister-wheels carry no spool-carriers until the adjacent wheels have made two complete revolutions. Each active wheel, excepting, of course, the uppermost and lowermost, carries in its diametrically opposite notches 37 a pair of spoolcarriers which, when rotated with the wheel, pay out the weft or mesh wire as the same is twisted together at the point of intersection or onto the warp or line wires, as is well understood by those skilled in the art, and while the active twister-wheels are rotatin with the spool-carriers locked in their notches in the manner already described the switch points or fingers are disposed in such positions as to hold the spool-carriers in place until a shift or transfer is to be made.

lVith the spool-carriers rotating with each active twister-wheel it will be noted by a reference particularly to Figs. 5"L and G of the drawings that the switch points or fin gers at diagonally opposite sides of such twisterwheels are disposed in a position with their swinging ends or terminals respectively against the guide-danges 90 of the twisterwheels above and below the wheel carrying the spool-carriers, so that as the said active twister-wheel rotates the outer elliptical retaining-plates tl of the spool-carriers carried thereby strike against the guide-flanges 90 of the adjacent twister-wheels and also ride against the switch points oriingers contacting with such flanges and which deflect the said elliptical retaining-plate onto the segmental guide-flanges Gl im mediatelysurrounding the active twister-wheel. XV hen two com plete revolutions of cach active twister-wheel are made, the position of the switch-points is reversed, so that when the outer elliptical retaining-plates 4l of the spool-carriers carried by said wheel reach the circular guide-flanges 90 of the adjacent twister-wheels the swinging ends or terminals of the switch points o1' iingers will be in contact with the front circular guide-flan ge 00 of the said previously-active wheel,and will deflect the elliptical retaining-plates onto the segmental guide-flanges (il immediately surrounding the adjacent twister-wheels immediately above and below the previou sl y-aetive wheel, it being of course understood that as the twister-wheels rotate the notches 37 of such wheels come to a position where they register, so as to receive the short neck-pieces 42 of the spool-carriers.

In connection with the adjustment of the switch points or fingers and the transferring of the spool-carriers the pointer S2 and dialplate 83 have an important function, it being noted that the dial-plate 83 is provided with numbers corresponding with the number of teeth on the cam-wheel 79, so that the operator turning the crank-handle and facing the rear side of the wheel can tell by glancing at the pointer and dial when a transfer or shift of the spool-carriers is about to be made, so that the machine can be moved along to the desired width of the mesh before another twist is made, it being noted that the pointer and dial would indicate when the switch points or fingers are thrown immediately in advance of the transfer or shift of the spoolearriers from the active to the previously-inactive wheels.

To provide for propelling or advancing the machine and to regulate the size of mesh of the fabric being woven, a propelling device is employed that operates in conjunction with the warp or line wires of the fencing or fabric, and this propelling device essentially comprises a circular drum ill, provided with a peripheral wire groove 92, adapted to receive one complete wrap of the warp or line wire a, so that as the drum 91 is rotated in the manner to be described the machine will pull itself along on the warp or line wire. The rotating drum 91 is provided at its center with oppositely-disposed spindle projections 93, which loosely turn at their tip extremities in the bearing-collars (A, formed at one end of the angled clamp-plates 95, adapted to adjustably embrace opposite side edges of the upright frame-board l, so as to support the drum 91 for rotation at the rear side of the said frame-board. The drum 0l. is mounted IOO IIO

for rotation between' the parallel arms 96 of the angled clamp-plates, and adjacent to the. angled portions of said plates which embrace the opposite side edges and rear side of the upright frame-board the parallel arm portions 96 of said plates are connected by the clamping-bolts 97, which when tightened serve to rigidly clamp the plates 95 onto the upright frame-board and when loosened allow the clamp-plates and the rotary drum to be adjusted to the desired elevation, according to the height of fabric being Woven.

The rotating drum 91 is provided at opposite sides of its vertical center with the opposite internally-toothed ratchet-Hanges 9S and 99, respectively, the ratchet teeth of said flanges 9S and 99 being respectively disposed reversely to each other. The 'internallytoothedratchet-ange 9S at one side of the drum 91 is designed to be engaged by the points of a pair of diametrically opposite gravity check-dogs 100, pivotally mounted on the pivotpins 101 at the inner side of the stationary cap-plate 102, preferably formed on one of the parallel arms 96, supporting the drum and serving as a cap for oneside of the drum. The teeth of the opposite internally-toothed ratchet-flange 99 of the drum are designed to be engaged by a pair of diametrically opposite gravity adjusting dogs 103, pivotally mounted on the pivot-pins 104 at the inner side of a movable cap-plate 105, provided with a bearing-collar 106, loosely turning on one of the spindle projections 93 of the drum and carried at the inner end of a'hand-lever 107, which is adjusted 'up and down to provide for the oscillation of the plate 105 and the consequent movement of the adjustingdogs 103 over the ratchet-teeth of the flange 99. The gravity adj usting-dogs 103 are preferably provided at one side of their pivotal support with the finger-pins 108, projecting through segmental slots 109, formed in the plate 105, and adapted to be grasped by the fingersA of the hand to entirely disengage the points of the dog 103 from lthe flange 99 for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The parallel arm 96 opposite the arm having the stationary cap-plate 102 is provided with a circular series of pin-openings .110, adapt-ed to receive an adjustable stop-pin 111, and said openings 110 are numbered on the outside of the arm to indicate the length of the mesh of fabric to be woven, and saidadjustable stop-pin 111 is adapted to limit the movement of the hand-lever 107 by engaging with a web or lug 112, formed on one side of the lever 107 and having a play between the movable cap plate 105 and the adjacent clamp-arm 96, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 16 of the drawings. the adjustable stop-pin 111, is also provided with vertically-ahmed diametrically opposite limiting-pins 113, which limit the extreme upward and downward movement of the lever 107, it being noted that the Web or lug The arm 96, carrying 112 is also designed to engage against the pins 113.

When it is determined what the size of the mesh of the fabric is to be, the adjustable stop-pin 111 is adjusted in the proper pin-opening 110 according as the mesh is to be a oneinch, two-inch, or other size mesh, and the pin 111 will positively limit the play of the hand-lever 107, so that such play will be fixed and uniform and thereby positively insure the making o f a fabric having a uniform mesh. When the hand-lever 107 is moved in one direction, the adj Listing-dogs 103 freely travel over the teeth of the ratchet-flange 99, but when the lever is moved in an opposite direction the points of the dogs 103 engage with the teeth of said flange and rotate the drum 91, thereby causing it to travel along the warp or line wire and carry the machine therewith. As the drum 91 is rotated in this manner the points of the check-dogs 100 freely ride over the teeth of the ratchet-flange 98 and engage with the teeth of said iiange to positively prevent the drum from slipping back and disturbing the adjustment of the machine, as will be readily understood, said dogs 100 therefore simply serving the function of checks to hold the drum to its adjustment.

In the use of the machine to provide for a positive and even movement thereof it is found desirable to employ a plurality of the propelling devices just described, and in the drawings are illustrated three of such devices at the rear side of the machine. The central one of the propelling devices has already been particularly described, but the other propelling devices, respectively above and below the central propelling device and designated by the numerals 91fL and 91h, respectively, are duplicates in construction of each other and of the said central device, excepting that the said upper and lower propelling devices ,are not provided with the construction for regulating the size of the mesh, this construction only being necessary with one of the propel# ling devices. The said upper and lower propelling devices are adj ustably clamped onto the frame-board substantially in the manner already described, but the operating-levers 107a thereof are shorter than the hand-lever 107 and are connected to each other and with said hand-lever 107 by a single continuous connecting-bar 115, provided with a series of perforations 116, adapted to receive the pivotpins 117 of the levers 107 and 107a according to the adjusted position of the propelling devices at the rear side of the machine.

By reason of the use of a connecting-bar 115 themanipulation of the hand-lever 107 of the central propelling device provides for the simultaneous operation of all of the propelling devices,so that the machine will be evenly moved along as the weavin g progresses, it being noted at this point that the warp or line wires are stretched to a tight tension and by having one or more tight wraps around the ro- IOO IIO

ISO

tating drums of the propelling devices causes the said drums to move along the wires by reason of frictional engagement therewith.

The provision of the finger-pins 10S is important in connection with the propelling` devices above and below the central propelling deviceas, for instance, the lower propelling device might feed along the wire a trifle faster than the upper propelling device and thereby tend to produce an uneven mesh. Should this occur, the linger-pins 10S of the lower propelling device would be grasped, so as to disengage the adjusting-dog 103 from the drum of said lower propelling device, so that said lower propelling device would not operate until the upper propelling device had been moved along suficiently to correct the uneven feeding, after which the adjusting-dogs of the lower propelling device will be allowed to again engage with the ratchet-teeth of the rotat-ing drinn.

Modifications of the machine might be observed, such as illustrated in Fig. 27 of the drawings, in which figure is illustrated a modification of the stationary spindles for the twister-wheels. In this modified construction the spindle ll is illustrated as being suffieientlylarge to receive therein a barbed lin ewire should wire of this character be used in weaving the fabric, and said spindle is also closed throughout its entire length, so as to leave no edges to be engaged by the barbs or wire, and at one end the spindle has detachably fitted thereon a flared mouthpiece 1lb, which serves as a guide for the barbed wire to prevent its catching on the end of the spindle which moves along such wire.

Other modifications of the machine may be observed and various changes in the form, proportion, and the minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the principle or sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is-- l. In a wire-fabric machine, a series of intermeshing cogged twister-wheels provided at diametrically opposite points with peripheral notches, each notch being formed by the space between a pair of cogs, spool-carriers engaging with the notches of said wheels, stationary circular guides arranged concentric with and adjacent to the peripheries of the wheels in the vertical plane thereof to hold the spoolcarriers in engagement therewith, and automatically-operatin g switches for transferring the spool-carriers from one twister-wheel to the adjacent wheels, substantially as set forth.

2. ln a wire-fabric machine, an alined series of cogged twister-wheels provided at diametrically opposite points with peripheral notches, each notch being formed by the space between a pair of cogs, spool-carriers adapted to engage with the peripheral notches of said wheels, stationary circular guides arranged concentric with and adjacent to the peripheries of the wheels to hold the spool-carriers in engagement therewith, and means for automatically deflecting the spool-carriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides of an adjacent wheel, substantially as set forth.

In a wire-fabric machine, a series of alined intermeshing cogged twister-wheels provided with diametrically opposite peripheral notches, each notch being formed by the space between a pair of cogs, spool-carriers adapted to engage with said notches, and automatically-opcrated diagonally opposite switch-points for transferring the spool-carriers from one twister-wheel to the adjacent wheels for rotation with the latter, substantially as set forth.

et. In a wire-fabric machine, series of intermcshin g cogged twister-wheels provided at diametrically opposite points with peripheral notches, spoolcarriers engaging with the notches of said wheels, circular guides arranged adjaeent to the peripheries of the wheels, switch points or lingers arranged at diagonally opposite points and at opposite sides of each twister-wheel, and means for automatically adjusting said switch-points to deflect the spool-carriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides of the adjacent wheels, substantially as set forth.

5. ln a wire-fabric machine, an upright frame-board provided with a series of vertically-alined openings, hollow stationary spindles detachably clamped at one end in the openings of the frame-board, a series of intermeshing cogged twister wheels loosely mounted on said stationary spindles at one side of the frame-board, spool-carriers mounted on the wheels, and transferring mechanism for the spool-carriers, substantially as set forth.

G. In a wire-fabric machine, the combination of an upright fram e-board provided with ascries of vertically-alined openings, hollow stationary spindles iitted at one end in said openings and provided in opposite sides near one end with diametrically opposite notches, open locking-keys wedged into said notches to detachably fasten the spindles in place, a series of intermeshing cogged twister-wheels mounted on said spindles, spoolcarriers mounted on the wheels, and transferring mechanism for the spool-carriers, substantially as set forth.

7. ln a wire-fabric machine, an upright frame-board provided with a series of vertically-alined openings, hollow stationary spindlcs litted at one end in said openings and provided in opposite sides near one end with diametrically opposite notches, said spindles being further provided intermediate of their ends at one side of the frame-board with annular bearing-shoulders, detachable bearingbushings loosely fitted on said spindles at one side of said bearing-shoulders and provided at their ends opposite the bearing-shoulders with annular bearing -flanges resting fiat against 011e side of the frame-board, a series IOO IIO

of intermeshing cogged twister-wheels havin g cylindrical lianged hubs loosely turning on f said bearing-bushings, and a trifle shorter in length than the distance between the flanges of said bushings and t-he shoulders of the spindles, wedge. locking-keys adapted to fit over one end of the spindles and provided with opposite parallel portions engaging in the opposite side notches of the spindles, the spool-carriers, vand transferring mechanism for the cal-riers,"substantially as Aset forth.'

8. In a` wire fabric machine, van upright frame board, a series of hollow verticallyalined spindles fitted at one end in saidboard, combined guide and supporting disks loosely mounted on the outer end of said spindles, a

series of intermeshing coggedtwister-wheels mounted onthespindles and having diametrically opposite peripheral notches, spoolcarriers having neck-pieces engaging in the notches of said wheels and at their ends opposite the neck-pieces with circular bearingheadshaving a peripheral .contact with said combined guide and supporting disks at the outer ends of the spindles, and suitable transferrin g mechanism for the spool-carriers, substantially as set forth.

9. In a wire-fabric machine, the upright frame-board, a series of hollow verticallyalined spindles fitted at one end in said board, combined guide and supporting disks having central bearing-collars having an interlocking connection withy the outer endsof the spindles and loosely turning thereon, said disks being open at the center for the passage of the warp or line wires, a series of intermeshing cogged twister-wheels 'mounted on the spindles directly adjacent to one side of the frame-board, spool-carriers provided at one end with neck-pieces registering with the notchesof the twister-Wheels and at their opposite ends with circular bearing-heads provided with a series of wire-guide openings and having a peripheral contact with said site ends with circular bearing-heads periph- ,erally contacting with said combined guide and supporting disks and having a plurality of separate guide-openings for the weft or mesh wire wound on the spools of the carrier,

and suitable shifting mechanism for the carriers, substantially as set forth.-

11. In a wire-fabric machina-'an upright frame-board, a series of hollow verticallyalined spindles fitted at one end in said boards,

combined guide and supporting disks mounted for-a looserotation on the outer ends of4 board, spool-carriers essentially comprising a substantially U -shaped frame-arm provided at apoint intermediate of its ends with an otstanding spool-axle, with a neck-piece at one end for engagement with the twisterwheels, and at its opposite end with a circular bearing-head having a'plurality of wireguide openings andworkin g on the periphery of the combined guide and supporting disks, wire-spools loosely mounted on the axles of the spool-carriers, combined tension and locking springs detachably fitted on said axles and bearing against oneside of the spools, and suitable transferringmechanism for the' spool-carriers, substantiallyV as set forth.

.12. A spool-carrier, for machines of the class described, essentially comprising a frame-arm having an offstanding spool-axle provided at one end with a squared lockinghead and short locking-studs projected from diametrically opposite sides of said head, a wire-spool arranged to turn on said axle, and a longitudinally-bowed spring-tension and locking plate adapted to bear at its ends against one of the heads of the wire-spool and provided intermediate of its ends with a central squared opening and guide-notches communicating with the' opening at opposite side edges thereof, said plate being adapted to be turned to a position to bring said guidenotches in and out of alinement with said lI OO locking-studs, said squared opening engaging .intermeshing cogged twister-wheels provided at diametrically opposite points with peripheral notches, circular guides arranged adjacent to the peripheries of lthe wheels, spoolcarriers provided at one end with a lpair of spaced retaining-plates receiving therebetween the cogged peripheries of the wheels and said circular guides, and-means for shifting the lspool-carriers from the guides of one Wheel tothe guides of the adjacent wheels, substantially as set forth.

14. In a wire-fabric machine, a series of intermeshing cogged twister-wheels provided at diametrically opposite points with peripheral notches, circularguides arrange adjacent to the peripheries of the Wheels, spoolcarriers provided at one end with short neckpieces engaging said notches and with a pair ofv spaced retaining-plates respectively disposed at opposite sides of the cogged peripheries of the wheels andsaid circular` guides, and means for shifting the spoolcarriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides of the adjacent wheels,substantially as set termcshing cogged twiste r-wheels provided at diametrically opposite points with peripheral notches, circular guides arranged adjacent to the peripheries of the wheels, spool-carriers provided at one end with a -pair of parallel elliptical retaining-plates respectively disposed at opposite sides of the peripheries of the wheels and said circular guides, and with a short rounded neck-piece connecting said rc taining-plates and registering in the notches of the twister-wheels, and means for deflecting the elliptical retaining-plates of the spool-carriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides of the adjacent wheels, substantially as set forth.

16. In a wire-fabric machine, a series of intermeshing cogged twister-wheels, V-shaped guide plates or castings arranged at opposite sides of the series of wheels with their apices or points projected into the reentrant spaces between the meshing faces of the wheels, said V-shaped guide plates or castings having segmental side portions arranged in the same circular plane as the segmental side portions of the adjacent guide plates or castings, spoolcarriers provided at one -end with a pair of spaced elliptical retaining-plates respectively.

disposed at opposite sides of the peripheries of the wheels and said circular guide plates or castings, and means for deflecting the elliptical retaining-plates of the spool-carriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides of the adjacent whcel, substantially as set forth.

17. In a wire-fabric machine, a series of interineshing vertically-alined cogged twisterwheels provided with diametrically opposite peripheral notches, V-shaped guide plates or castings arranged at opposite sides of the series of wheels and projecting into the spaces between the meshing faces of the wheels, said V-shaped guide plates 0r castings having segmental side portions and essentially comprising an outer base-flange and a main'guideflange projected from the inner side of the base-flange intermediate of its edges and at right angles thereto, said main guide-flanges being provided with' a fiat bearing-surface arranged parallel with the main base-flange, spool-carriers provided at one end with a pair of` parallel elliptical retaining-plates respectively disposed at opposite sides of the main guide-Han ges of said guide plates or castings, the outer edges of the elliptical plates riding in contact with the outer base-flanges atopposite sides-of said main guide-anges, said spool-carriers being further provided with short neck-pieces connecting the retainingplates,registerin g in the notches of the twisterwheels,and ridingin contact with the flat bearing-surfaces at the inner edges of the main guide-flanges, and means for deecting the elliptical retaining-plates of the spool-carriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides o f the adjacent wheels, substantially as set forth.

18. In a wire-fabric machine, a series of intermeshing vertically-alined cogged twisterypiece connecting said retaining-plates and registering in the notches of the twisterwheels, switch points or iingcrs arranged at diagonally opposite sides of each twisterwheel, and means for adjusting said switchpoints to deflect the elliptical retaining-plates of the spool-carriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides of the adjacent wheels,

substantially as set forth.

19. In a wire-fabric machine, a series of intermeshing vertically-alined cogged twisterwheels provided with diametrically opposite peripheral notches and on their front sides with circular guide-flanges, circularly-alined guides arranged adjacent to the periphcries of the wheels, and projecting into the spaces between the meshing faces thereof, spoolcarriers provided at onel end with a pair of elliptical retaining-plates respectively disposed at opposite sides o f said guides, and with a short rounded neck-piece connecting said retaining-plates and llegistergingpin the notches of the twister-wheels, oscillatory switch points or fingers arranged at diagonally opposite sides of each twister-wheel, andjmeans for adjusting thefree ends of the switch-points against the circular guide-ilanges of the twister to deflect the elliptical retaining-plates of the spool-carriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides of the adjacent wheels, substantially as set forth.

20. In a wire-fabric machine, a series of interlneshing vertically-alined cogged twisterwheels provided with diametrically opposite peripheral notches and front circular guidellanges, V-shaped guide plates or'castings arranged at opposite sides of the series of wheels and projecting into the spaces between the -rneshing faces thereof, said V-shaped guide plates or castings having segmental side portions arranged in the same circular plane as the corresponding portions of the adjacent guide plates or castings, spool-carriers provided at one end with neck-pieces engaging the notches of the wheels and with a pair of elliptical retaining-plates respectively disposed at opposite sides of the guide plates or castings, oscillatory switch points or fingers pivotally mounted at one end on every alternate guide plate or casting, in each vertical row of such plates or castings, so as to dispose a pair of switch points or ingers at diagonally opposite sides of each twisterwheel, a pair of verticaliy-reciprocating operating-bars respectively connecting with all of the switch points or fingers inA each vertical row, a link connection between adjacent ends IIO of said operating-bars to provide for a simultaneous movement thereof in opposite directions, and a cam device actuated by one of the twister-wheels and engaging with one of the operating-bars to provide for the simultaneous operation of all of the switch points or fingers, substantially as set forth.

2l. In a wire-fabric machine, a series of intermeshing cogged twister wheels one of which wheels carries adj usting-pins, circular guides arranged adjacent to the peripheries of the wheels, spool-carriers engaging with the wheels and having at one end a pair of retaining-plates respectively disposed at opposite sides of the circular guides, inwardly-projecting switch points or fingers pivotally mounted at their outer ends beyond diagonally opposite sides of each twister-wheel, a pair of vertically reciprocating operating bars respectively having a pin connection with all of the switch points or fingers in each vertical row, an oscillating-link connection between the adjacent ends of said oscillating bars to provide for a simultaneous movement thereof in opposite directions, a rectangular yoke fitted on one of the operating-bars, and a toothed camwheel engaged by the adj usting-pins of one of the twister-wheels and carrying at one side a cam projection working Within said yoke to provide for the adjustment of said operatingbars simultaneously in opposite directions, substantially as set forth.

22. In a wire-fabric machine, an upright frame-board, a series of intermeshing cogged twister-wheels, one of which wheels carries on its inner side a pair of spaced adj usting-pins, circular guides arranged adjacent to the peripheries of the wheels, spool-carriers engaging with the wheels and having at one end a pair of retaining-plates respectively disposed at opposite sides of the circular guides, inwardly-projecting switch points or fingers pivotally supported at their outer ends beyond diagonally opposite sides of each twisterwheel and working over the rentrant portions of the guides between the meshing faces of the wheels, a pair of vertically-reciprocating operating -bars respectively connected with all of the switch points or fingers in each vertical row thereof, an oscillating-link connection between the adjacent ends of said bars, a rectangular yoke fitted on the inner side of one of the operating-bars and provided with straight upper and lower sides and opposite curved end portions, a short stub-shaft mounted in the frame-board and carrying at its inner end a toothed cam-Wheel engaged by the adjusting-pins of one of the twisterwheels and carrying at one side a cam projection having a single eccentrically-disposed contact-point and a curved bearing portion concentric with the cam-wheel, a dial-plate mounted on one side of the frame-board,'a pointer fitted on the outer end of the stubshaft and working over the dial-plate, and a sprin g arranged at the inner side of said camwheel, substantially as set forth.

23. In a wire-fabric machine, .the combination of a series of intermeshing cogged twisterwheels, spoolcarriers engaging with the twister-wheels, circular guides for retaining the carriers in engagement with the wheels, a series of movable switch points or fingers working between the wheels to deect the carriers from the guides of one wheel to the guides of the adjacent wheels, a single operating-bar connecting said switch points orV iingers and carrying a rectangular yoke, an automatically-rotated cam-wheel carrying at one side a cam projection working in said yoke and providing for the intermediate elevation and depression thereof, substantially as set forth.

24. In a wire-fabric machine, the combination with the wheeled upright frame carrying weaving mechanism, of a propelling device having a suitably-rotated drum receiving on its periphery a tight wrap of a warp or line wire of the fabric, and a clamp carrying said drum and adjustably fitted to the frame to provide for the vertical adjustment of the former, substantially as set forth.

A 25. In a wire-fabric machine, the combination with the wheeled upright frame carrying weaving mechanism, of a propelling device suitably connected with the frame and hav-v ing a rotatable drum frictionally engaging with a warp or line wire of the fabric, and a device for regulating the limit of movement of the drum to provide for a corresponding regulation of the length of mesh of the fabric, substantially as set forth.

26. In a wire-fabric machine, the combination with the wheeled upright frame carrying weaving mechanism, of a propelling device comprising a pair of angled clamp-plates adjustably embracing opposite side edges of the upright frame, a rotating drum journaled between said clamp-plates and having aperipheral wire-groove adapted to receive a tight Wrap of a warp or line wire of the fabric, a device for regulating the limit of movement of said d rum, and lever-operated ratchet mechanism for positively rotating the drum in one direction, substantially as set forth.

27. In a wire-fabric machine, the combination with the wheeled upright frame carrying weaving mechanism, of a propelling device comprising a pair of angled clamp-plates adjustably embracing opposite side edges of the frame, a rotating drum provided with oppositely-disposed spindle projections journaled in saidv clamped plates, and opposite internally-toothed ratchet-flanges,said drum being adapted to receive a tight wrap of a warp or line wire of the fabric, iiXedly-positioned check-dogs arranged at one side of the drum and engaging with the teeth of one of the ratchet-flan ges thereof, and a lever pivotally supported 011 one of the spindle projections and carrying a pair of adjusting-dogs ar- IOO IIO

ranged at the opposite side of; the drum and engaging with the teeth ot the other ratchetilange thereof, substantially as set forth.

2S. in a wire-fabric machine, the combination with the uprightframe carrying weaving mechanism, of a propelling device comprising a pair of angled clamp-platesadjustablyembracing opposite side edges ot the frame, a rotating drum provided with opp sit'ely-dis posed spindle projections jonrnaled in said clamp-plates and opposite internally-toothed ratchet-llanges, said drum being adapted to receive a tight wrap ot the warp or line wire ot the fabric, a pair et tixedly -positioned cheek-dogs mounted at the inner side of one of the clamp-plates Afor engagement with the teeth of one ofthe ratchet-flanges of the d rum, and a hand-lever carrying at one end a movable cap-plate turning on one ot the spindle projections of the drinn and provided with oppositely-loeated segmental slots, a pair of adjusting-dogs pivotally mounted atthe inner side of said movable cap-plate and adapted to engage with the teeth of the other ratchetilange ot the drum, said adjusting-dogs being provided at one side of their pivotalsupport with finger-pins projecting through said segmental slots, substantially as set forth.

it). ln a wire-fabricmachine, the combination with the upright frame carrying weaving mechanism, ot aproliielliug device comprising a pair ot angled clamp-plates embracing opposite side edges of the frame, one ot said clamp-plates being provided with verticallyalined diametrically opposite limiting-pins and a circular series ol pin-opcnings,an adj ustable stop-pin adapted to be litted in any of the series ot pin-openings, a rotating drum provided with oppositely-disposed spindle projectionsjournaled in said clamp-plates andan internally-toothed ratchet-llange,and a handlevcrpivotallysupported on one of the spindle projections and carrying a pair of adjust-ingdogs engaging the teeth of said ratchet-flange to provide for the rotation of said drum, said lever being provided at one side adjacent to its pivotal support with a web or lug adapted to engage said adjustable stop-pin and also said limiting-pins, substantially as set forth.

230. ln a wire-fabric machine, the combination with the upright frame carrying weaving mechanism; of a plurality of independently vertically adjustable propelliilg devices clamped onto the frame at dil'l'erent points, and a single operating connection between said propelling devices to provide for the simnltaneeus operation thereosaid propelling devices having a frictional engagement with the wa p or line wires ot the fabric being woven, substantially as set fort-l1.

3 ln a wire-fabric machine, the combination with the upright frame carrying weaving mechanism; a plurality of duplicate propelling devices adj ustably clamped on the iframe at diiterent points, said propelling devices having ratchetrotated drums receiving a tight wrap of the warp or line wires and operating-levers for turning said d ruins, the operating-lever ot one ot the propelling devices being elongated to provide a hand-grasp, and a single continuons connecting-bar pivotally connecting the operating-levers of said propelling devices, substantially as set forth.

2li. ln a wire-fabric machine, the combination withthe upright frame carrying weaving mechanism, of a propelling device suit-ably connected with the trame and having a single rotatable drum adapted to receive on its periphery a complete convolution or wrap of the line-wire whereby the wire has a frietional bearing on the entire circun'iterence or pcriphery of the drum to provide the necessary frictional grip between the drum and the wire, substantially set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto al'lxed my signature in the presence et two witnesses.

ALVA L. KITSELMAN.

Witnesses:

JonN 1I. Smonus, HAROLD Il. Sinus. 

